Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has commended the progress of construction works on Ncwera Bridge in Mitooma District, saying the project will restore vital connections for communities that have been cut off since the original bridge was destroyed by floods.
Tayebwa, who is the Ruhinda North MP, thanked the President for his intervention, which resulted in the provision of funds for the project. He made the remarks yesterday after leading district officials and local leaders in an inspection of the ongoing construction works on the bridge in Kyamwebya Village. The bridge serves as the boundary between Ruhinda North and Ruhinda South constituencies.
“For us, our services were totally cut off until His Excellency the President intervened himself and directed the Ministry of Finance to provide funds to do this bridge,” Tayebwa said.
The original Ncwera Bridge, which was constructed in 1985, was swept away by flash floods in 2021, disrupting transport between communities in the district.
Following the collapse of the bridge, residents depended on a makeshift timber bridge that provided a narrow crossing for people travelling to schools, health facilities, markets and other services.
Tayebwa said he had been briefed that the technology being used in the construction of the new bridge is among the best in the world.
“It’s for a minimum of 100 years. This will be a game changer,” he said.
The inspection was part of efforts by Tayebwa and other district leaders to monitor government projects and engage communities on their implementation during the ongoing parliamentary recess.
He was accompanied by Mitooma District Woman Member of Parliament Rebecca Kyarampe, LCV Chairperson Benon Karyeija, the District Chief Administrative Officer, the Resident District Commissioner and other officials.
The engineer, Martin Bakunzi, said the works had reached about 40 percent and remained on schedule.
“We are at about 40% progress and we will finish it on time. We thank the community for being hospitable and cooperative. We are working jointly with them,” Bakunzi said.
Rebecca Kyarampe, who chairs the district roads committee, also praised the progress of the works and urged residents to maintain their cooperation with the project team.
“The work done is very impressive. I want to thank the people of Mitooma for being cooperative and I encourage them to continue working with the engineers working on the project,” Kyarampe said.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to restore reliable access between the affected communities and key social and economic facilities, including health centres, schools and markets.
